Combined railway tie and rail fastener



Oct. 2, 1956 s. P. RENDOS COMBINED RAILWAY TIE AND RAIL FASTENER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 24, 1953 INVENTOR.

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Oct. 2, 1956 s. P. RENDOS 2,765,121

CQMBINED RAILWAY TIE AND RAIL FASTENER Filed April 24, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

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United States Patent Ofiice 2,765,121 Patented Oct. 2, 1956 COMBlNED RAILWAY TIE AND RAIL FASTENER Stephan P. Rendos, Portersville, Pa.

Application April 24, 1953, Serial No. 350,797

3 Claims. (Cl. 238-183) This invention relates to a combination structure which is adapted to discharge the functions of both-a railway tie and the means whereby a rail is secured to said tie.

The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved combination structure of the character referred to, which will eliminate the need for spikes, bolt and nut connectors, and other fastening means that render difiicult the task of laying or repairing rails.

Another object of importance is to provide a combination assembly as stated wherein the several parts of the assembly will coact to hold the rail against lateral, upward, downward, or lengthwise movement.

Still another object is to provide a combined railway tie and rail fastener which will not only support the tie in the manner described immediately above, but will also hold adjacent sections of the rail in abutting, end to end relationship, thereby to eliminate fish plates and equivalent connecting devices.

Another object of importance is to provide a combination structure as stated wherein the structure can be operatively assembled with a section of a rail without the necessity of employing special or heavy tools, or skilled labor.

Yet another object is to provide a combination structure as described which, though possessing the several desirable features noted above, will nevertheless be strong and durable, and will additionally be designed to allow for expansion and contraction of the rails and the associated connecting devices.

Other objects will appear from the following description, the claims appended thereto, and from the annexed drawings, in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section of a railway wherein the rails are supported by combination assemblies designed in accordance with the present inven-,

tion, one form of the invention being shown at the ends of the illustrated railway portion and a second form of the assembly being illustrated medially between said ends;

Figure 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view on line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged plan section on line 33 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view on line 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view, showing the invention as seen from the line 55 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second form of the invention shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the form of the invention shown at the ends of Figure 1 and also in Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a fragmentary portion of a third form of the invention, an engaged rail being shown in transverse section;

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view on line 99 of Figure 8; and

Figure 10 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of the form of the invention shown in Figures 8 and 9.

The reference numeral 12 has been applied generally in the drawings to designate conventional rails. At 14 I have generally designated that form of the invention used as a combination railway tie and rail fastener at the location where adjacent rail sections abut against one another in end to end relationship. The reference numeral 16 has been applied to another form of the invention, used as a combination railway tie and rail fastener assembly medially between the ends of the rail sections.

Considering first the construction of the form of the invention used between the ends of the rail sections, said form being shown at opposite ends of the Figure 1 showing and being also shown in Figures 4, 5 and 7, I utilize a cross member 18 adapted to extend transversely of the spaced rails 12 to provide a cross tie. In the underside of the elongated cross member 18, transverse notches 20 are formed. These, as shown in Figure 5, extend fully from side to side of the cross member 18, normally to the longitudinal center line of said cross member.

Formed in the cross member 18, and aligned with the longitudinal center line thereof, are slot-like openings 22, each of said slot-like openings 22 being merged, at its inner end, into a circular opening 24. The openings 24 and the slot-like openings 22 extend fully from top to bottom of each cross member 18.

Supported upon the cross member 18 are rail fastener blocks 26. These are arranged in pairs as best shown in Figure 1, the blocks of each pair engaging opposite sides of a rail 12.

The blocks are adapted to hold the rail 12 against lateral and upward movement, and accordingly, each block is formed with a substantially vertical inner surface 27 merging into an inclined surface 28. The vertical surfaces 27 engage against the substantially vertical side surfaces of the web of rail 12. The inclined surfaces 28 complement and engage the opposite sides of the bas of the rail.

In each block 26, a slot-like opening 30 is formed, extending fully from top to bottom of the block and aligned with the slot-like openings 22 of the cross member 18 therebelow. The slot-like openings 30 of the blocks 26 merge into circular openings 32 registered with openings 24 of the cross member, and extending through the registered circular openings is a removable lock pin 34. Lock pin 34, at its lower end, has diametrically opposite, laterally projecting locking lugs 36 adapted to seat in the notches 20 formed in the underside of cross member 18.

It will be readily appreciated that the lock pins 34 can be inserted from a location above the blocks 26, after the blocks 26 have been positioned upon the cross member 18. The lock pins 34 are shifted downwardly, with the lugs 36 moving through the registered slot-like openings 30, 22. When the pin 34 has been fully inserted, the locking lugs 36 will be disposed below the plane of the bottom surface of cross member 18. The pin 34 is then rotated through ninety degrees. This aligns the lugs 36 with the notches 20, after which the pin 34 is pulled upwardly to an extent sufiicient to engage the lugs in the notches.

When the lock pins 34 are rotated in the manner described above, and the lugs 36 are seated in notches 20, transverse openings 38 formed in the upper end portions of the pins will be aligned with the slot-like openings 30 of the blocks 26. Lock rods 40 are then inserted through said transverse openings 38, said lock rods having inner ends seating in locking recesses 42, and outer ends seating in locking recesses 44. The locking recesses 42 are formed in the top surfaces of the blocks 26, and constitute extensions of the slot-like openings30 adjacent cause the outer ends thereof to project beyond the outer end surfaces of the blocks 26, said outer ends of the lock rods being formed with non-circular portions 46 that permit hand cranks or equivalent tools, not shown, to be detachably assembled with the lock rods. The lock rods are thus readily rotated within the openings 38, to cause locking fingers 48 formed upon the lock rods to engage in shallow, finger-receiving depressions 50 formed in the upper surfaces of blocks 26 in communication with openings 30.

, By reason of this arrangement, it is seen that the lock rods will be held assembled with the pins 34, thus to cause the entire structure to be readily assembled with the rail 12.

Considering now the form of the invention shown intermediate the ends of the Figure 1 showing, and further illustrated in Figures 2, 3, and 6, it is to be noted that this particular form is especially adapted to be utilized where the ends of adjacent rail sections abut against one another. Thus, the structure eliminates the use of fish plates or equivalent connecting elements used for joining abutting rail ends.

In this form of the invention, a pair of parallel cross members 52 extends transversely of and below the respective, abutting rail sections, to support said rail sections. The fastener blocks used in this form of the invention have been designated as 54, 56 respectively, and as shown in Figure 3, one of said blocks has spaced recesses 58 opening inwardly from the web-contacting, inner end surface thereof, this being the fastener block 56. The block 54 has dowels 60 projecting from the web-contacting surface thereof, said dowels extending through openings formed in the abutting end portions of the rail sections.

In this way, the blocks 54, 56 are not only assembled with one another, but also with the abutting rail sections, thus to'not only hold the rail sections against lateral and upward movement, but also against movement in the direction of their lengths, away from one another. Fish plates are thus eliminated, these being unnecessary when the structure formed in accordance with the invention is used.

Underlying each pair of fastener blocks 54, 56 is a fiat support block 62, the opposite ends :of which are integrally formed with outwardly extended, solidly formed tenons 64. The blocks 54, 56 have their outer end surfaces formed with outwardly extended tenons 66, that overlie and are in contact with the tenons 64.

A connector block has been designated 68, one of these being used in association with each pair of contacting tenons 64, 66. The connector blocks 68 are of flat formation, and are of rectangular outer configuration, said connector blocks being vertically disposed, with each connector block having, in one side surface thereof, an inwardly extended recess 70. Formed upon the opposite side surface of each connector block 68 is an outwardly extended dowel 72.

The cross members 52 have recesses 74 that receive the dowels 72, said cross members also being provided with dowels 76 engageable in the recesses 70. In the illustrated form of the invention, one of the cross members 52 has only recesses, while the other is provided only with dowels. Possibly, the cross members could be so designed as to cause each cross member to have a plurality of recesses, together with a plurality of dowels 76.

Each connector block 68 is also formed with a rectangular center opening 78, in which the contacting tenons 64, 66 are engaged.

By reason of this construction, it is seen that the blocks 54, 56 are assembled with one another and with the abutting rail sections, by reason of the provision of the sup- 7 port block 62 underlying the same, and by reason, further, of the use of the connector blocks 68. Further, the cross members 52 are assembled with the respective connector blocks, to hold the connector blocks in tenon-engaging positions.

To assemble the cross members, thereby to connect all the component parts of the structure against relative separation, said cross members are formed with transverse grooves in their undersides, said grooves aligning with transverse grooves 80 formed in the underside of the support block 62. The grooves formed in the cross members 52 merge into side grooves 82, said side grooves 82 being formed in the outer side surfaces of the cross members. Key members 84 (Figure 6) have elongated shank portions engaging in the downwardly opening grooves 89 of the support block, and engaging, also, in the downwardly opening transverse grooves of the cross members 52. integrally formed upon opposite ends of the shank of each key member are upwardly extended locking projections or heads 86, that engage in the side grooves 82 of the cross members 52.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 8l0, the construction is closely related to that shown in Figure 7, the main difference residing in the use of dowels on one fastener block, that engage in complementary recesses formed in the other fastener block.

In this last form of the invention, the cross member 3% is relatively wide and fiat, as compared to the cross member 18. Supported upon the cross member 88 are fastener blocks 90, 92 arranged in pairs, the blocks 98 having dowel-receiving recesses a4 opening inwardly from the rail-contacting inner surfaces thereof. Dowels 96 are formed upon the inner surfaces of the fastener blocks 92, and extend through openings formed in adjacent, abutting rail sections, said dowels engaging in the recesses 94.

The means for locking the blocks 90, 92 to the cross member 88 is identical, in each block, and accordingly, the description of the means provided in block 96 will sufiice for that utilized in block 92. Said means includes a vertical opening 98 extending from top to bottom of the block 99, a lock pin 100 being removably inserted in said opening. Formed in the undersurface of cross member 38 are locking notches 102, receiving diametrically opposite, laterally projecting locking lugs 104 provided upon the lower end of the lock pin 100. The notches 192 are in communication with an opening 106 formed in the cross member 88 and registered with opening 98.

The cross member 88 has slot-like, diametrically opposite openings 108 formed therein, said openings communicating with each opening 106 of said cross member.

In the upper end portion of the lock pin 1%, a transverse aperture 110 is formed, in which is removably engaged a lock rod 112. Lock rod 112, intermediate its ends, has a laterally projected locking finger 114. The lock rod is adapted to seat in slot-like openings 116 formed in the block, and extending from top to bottom of the block in communication with opening 93. A shallow depression 118 formed in the top surface of the fastener block communicates with one of the openings 116, to receive the finger 114 when the lock rod 112 is partially rotated by a suitable tool applied to the non-circular end portion 120 thereof.

The construction illustrated in Figures 8-10 is one which, though closely allied from the standpoint of the structural characteristics thereof with the form of the invention shown in Figure 7, is nevertheless adapted to serve as a combination railway tie and rail fastener capable of use at locations where rail sections abut against one another. Thus, the form of the invention shown in Figures 8-10 can be used in substitution of the form shown in Figure 6.

In all forms of the invention there is the common, highly desirable characteristic whereby the necessity of special tools or heavy equipment is eliminated. The only tool necessary in assembling the structure with the rail sections is a crank device for rotating the lock rods to their locked positions. No spikes, bolts, or the like are necessary.

It is believed apparent that the invention is not necessarily confined to the specific use or uses thereof described above, since it may be utilized for any purpose to which it may be suited. Nor is the invention to be necessarily limited to the specific construction illustrated and described, since such construction is only intended to be illustrative of the principles of operation and the means presently devised to carry out said principles, it being considered that the invention comprehends any minor change in construction that may be permitted within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A railway tie and rail fastener combined, comprising: a pair of rail fastener blocks having substantially vertical surfaces merging into inclined surfaces respectively complementing the sides of the web and base of a rail, to hold said rail against lateral and upward movement, said blocks having tenons projecting therefrom in a direction away from the engaged rail; a fiat support member extending transversely of the rail below the blocks to support the rail and hold the same against downward movement, said member having tenons underlying the tenons of the blocks in contact therewith; connector blocks having center openings receiving the contacting tenons for holding the blocks and support member assembled with one another in rail-engaging relationship, a pair of cross members extending transversely of the rail at opposite sides of said flat support member, and cooperating dowels and grooves on said cross members and said connector blocks for holding the connector blocks in tenon engaging position.

2. A railway tie and rail fastener combined, comprising: a pair of rail fastener blocks having substantially vertical surfaces merging into inclined surfaces respectively complementing the sides of the web and base of a rail, to hold said rail against lateral and upward movement, said blocks having tenons projecting therefrom in a direction away from the engaged rail; a flat support member extending transversely of the rail below the blocks to support the rail and hold the same against downward movement, said member having tenons underlying the tenons of the blocks in contact therewith; connector blocks having center openings receiving the contacting tenons for holding the blocks and support member assembled with one another in rail-engaging relationship, one of said fastener blocks having laterally projecting dowels and the other fastener block having dowelreceiving sockets, said dowels being extendable through spaced openings formed in the engaged rail to hold sections of said rail in connected, abutting relationship, a pair of cross members extending transversely of the rail at opposite sides of said fiat support member, and cooperating dowels and grooves on said cross members and said connector blocks for holding the connector blocks in tenon engaging position.

3. A railway tie and rail fastener combined, comprising: a pair of rail fastener blocks having substantially vertical surfaces merging into inclined surfaces respectively complementing the sides of the web and base of a rail, to hold said rail against lateral and upward movement, said blocks having tenons projecting therefrom in a direction away from the engaged rail; a flat support member extending transversely of the rail below the blocks to support the rail and hold the same against downward movement, said member having tenons underlying the tenons of the blocks in contact therewith; connector blocks having center openings receiving the contacting tenons for holding the blocks and support member assembled with one another in rail-engaging relationship, one of said fastener blocks having laterally projecting dowels and the other fastener block having dowelreceiving sockets, said dowels being extendable through spaced openings formed in the engaged rail to hold sections of said rail in connected, abutting relationship; a pair of cross members extending transversely of the rail at opposite sides of said support member, said cross members having grooves in the outer side surfaces thereof, there being transverse grooves in the under side of said support member and in alignment with the grooves in the outer side surfaces of said cross members; and key blocks seated in said grooves to connect the cross members to the support member, and means on said cross members and on said connector blocks for detachably holding said cross members and said connector blocks together.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 843,475 Martan Feb. 5, 1907 1,093,682 Browder Apr. 21, 1914 1,101,180 Hammerschmidt June 23, 1914 1,112,368 Ferris Sept. 29, 1914 1,322,184 Gaston Nov. 18, 1919 1,391,658 Ambrose Sept. 27, 1921 1,441,804 Hersh Jan. 9, 1923 1,487,432 Bean Mar. 18, 1924 2,477,535 Wilson et a1 July 26, 1949 

